‘Sugar’ Recap: ‘Boy in the Corner’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Colin Farrell as John Sugar in Episode 105 of ‘Sugar’ – ‘Boy in the Corner’. (Photo Courtesy of Apple.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Sugar’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. This article also contains discussions regarding suicide and self-harm, which may be triggering to some individuals.
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When we last settled in to enjoy the wondrous new Apple TV+ series, Sugar, we were left with a sense of hope, despite seeing things fall to pieces health wise for Hollywood mogul Jonathan Siegel. Simply because, John and Melanie’s work in the case revolving Olivia’s disappearance, seemingly offered up results at last. For they had someone that was able to speak to how Olivia might have endured harm at the hands of her brother, David Siegel. Since Olivia was aware of his disgusting transgressions, and her understanding of those transgressions seemed to imply that David imparted harm upon his sister by getting the ever-grimy Stallings involved in her disappearance. Which meant, answers had to be on the horizon, which gave us the hope in question, and well, answers did indeed await us in the next episode.

For ‘Boy in the Corner’ wasted little time in having John Sugar, confront Bernie Siegel about his son… before going to the source. Which brought about a tense sequence, one where Margit Siegel tried to deflect and discourage John before offering up threats of violence. The kind that John returned in kind to force little Davy to get off of his duff and do something to resolve the rising threats in his own home. Which he did, by agreeing to speak with John, and just like that, answers finally came pouring forth. After of course, he took the time to whine about his poor, privileged life. But once that nuisance was out of the way, he spoke to how yes… he had come to learn that Olivia was aware of his actions and rather than handle such a discovery like a normal person… he spoke to Stallings about the matter.

Mainly because ol’ Stallings was a human trafficker and knew how best to make people appear and disappear. Which meant, John and Charlie needed to prepare surveillance and go over the now skimpy intelligence on the man to prepare for a forthcoming meeting with him. One that would hopefully bring about more answers, but that… was heavily delayed. Mainly because, one of Stallings’ thugs dropped by Melanie’s place to do what thugs do best. But thankfully, John’s keen eye spotted something out of place when he stopped by Charlie’s van to plan, which was parked outside Melanie’s house. Which allowed for him… to just beat the living hell out of the man that tried to mess with Melanie. Which also prompted John to have her stay at the hotel with him, to keep her safe while a new plan went into play.

One where Stallings’ little idiot would return to base beaten and bruised and with news of failure. To test the monster and see his response before John did his own thing. But that, will have to wait for another time. For the remainder of this tale took the time to further explore what a piece of trash Stallings’ is, since we saw his profession in action, and we also saw John struggle with a secret… and we also saw the Siegel family face some kind of accountability for Davy’s actions. For Davy struggled mightily in this tale with the lines he crossed, and with those actions coming to light. So, he decided it might be best to try and put a bullet into his head. An act that left him badly wounded and left Bernie and Margit in utter devastation.

But while we wait to see if Davy survives his injuries, what THAT meeting was about, and how things are going to go at Casa de Creep, we can revel in the majesty of one incredible tale. One that embraced the best parts of Noir. Because this episode featured, that segment of those classic stories where the hero thrives in his element and makes magic happen, and is a defender for good, and this story did that segment proud. Since the interrogation of Davy was riveting and the fight to save Melanie was tense and powerful and well, it just goes to show that this series knows what it is about and knows what fans of Noir and good television want, and it should be interesting to see what other throwback moments and other surprises await us as John continues to make great progress in this harrowing case. Until next time.

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